Whoa. To me, that's a lot for what I'd consider a fancy toy. As far as pad sounds, wouldn't it be a lot cheaper to just get a midi controller keyboard?
It's not designed around being a synth. It just has a ton of effects that can make it sound like anything. It's got MIDI functions but I don't know how they work.
As far as it being a toy: I'd put it down to being a generational thing.
Most every large studio has some kind of high grade digital amp rack unit and countless bands use them. They're just easy to use, especially live, since they're small and portable and it has all of your effects and sounds in one device.
It's also pretty much the sound of modern metal next to Engl and Orange amps, if you're into that.
Plus, due to its software, people can create tones and you can download and share them, which is pretty cool.
If you'll let me shill for a bit, you can check out the website of artists that endorse it.
G66.eu - Artists
Take it with a grain of salt though. I think that most of them use it live but not in the studio.